How to "Close the Door" on Dog Stress in 3 Steps

In my work with clients and their dogs in behavior modification, I see a lot of anxiety, fear, impulsivity, overexcitement and aggression.

One of the first things we do as a foundation of good behavior: Set a dog up to succeed and learn as much as possible by reducing unnecessary stress, overexcitement and opportunities for them to practice being out of control. The front door is a frequent source of triggers and stress for dogs, and their owners, so this is a great place to start.
A door is a simple thing to humans but so often it is extremely exciting to dogs. It sets off loud barking, frantic jumping, dogs dashing outside off leash and even sometimes aggression. Action at the door leads to overexcitement and stress which raises cortisol levels that increase the risk of aggression, even if the excitement is "happy" and not fearful. I see it often in multi-dog households where dogs who are allowed to rush the door all at once often end up in scuffles with each other and possibly whoever is coming in the door.
As humans, we do a lot of things in relation to the door that can increase a dog's excitement or stress:
Get up and/or speak suddenly at the sound of door knock or bell, running to see who it is, talk loudly to whoever is there. When we are coming into a house, especially our own, we talk often in high-pitched tones or "baby talk" to the dogs, pet them exuberantly and reinforce their frantic jumping up and barking with this attention.

Instead, here are three simple steps to increase safety at doorways and decrease the stress on our dogs:

1. An Ounce of Prevention

Prevent the wrong behavior of overexcitement, frantic running, jumping up and dashing outside by keeping the dog on leash when people are arriving or leaving, keep the dog in a fenced backyard or in a separate room, install baby gates if possible to block the dog's access to the front door. For those unexpected visitors or UPS deliveries, you can tape over or disconnect the doorbell and/or hang a note asking visitors to text or call instead of knocking. "Please don't knock or ring bell, dog in training" is a simple way to put it and can even be painted or chalked on an artsy sign.

2. Pavlov at Your Door

Teach dogs that the door always means good things! Knocking and doorbell sounds should be followed with yummy treats whenever possible. It helps to keep the dog on leash at first to prevent running away from you to the door and to keep them close so you can apply the treats, preferably before they start barking. A few sessions of several repetitions of doorbell + treat and your dog should be looking at you quietly with a relaxed jaw "smile" and wagging tail. You can also have visitors come in quietly and toss treats on the floor for the dog.

3. Reward the Right Behavior

Whenever your dog has all their feet on the floor and/or is quiet when there is action at the door, pay them for it with treats,toys and attention! You can also teach your dog to go to a mat, bed or kennel at the sound of a doorbell or knocking. Make sure when you come home and when guests arrive, wait until the dog is calm before giving attention.
If your dog is already fearful and aggressive around doors or gates and has snapped at or bitten visitors, please seek the advice of a certified positive reinforcement trainer or behavior specialist.

Tracee Sule, CPDT-KA

Tracee is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (Knowledge Assessed) and an AKC CGC Evaluator and APDT C.L.A.S.S. Instructor in Jacksonville and St Augustine, Florida. As owner of Zoomeez Dog Training LLC Tracee works with clients in private lessons and group classes, teaching everything from basic manners and puppy skills to behavior modification for fearful, anxious and aggressive dogs. She has been training dogs since 2000 with experience in obedience, animal therapy visiting with Pet Partners, agility and flyball.
Tracee is a group class instructor at K-9 Obedience Club in Jacksonville and a member of the Association for Professional Dog Trainers, the Pet Professional Guild and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Tracee has also volunteered with various animal rescue organizations providing behavior support to help dogs find the best forever homes and stay in them, including Ayla's Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue, Jacksonville Humane Society and T.A.I.L.S. (Teaching Animals and Inmates Life Skills).
Prior to dog training and behavior, Tracee's career experience was in business, healthcare administration and Human Resources Management. She has also volunteered in Search and Rescue and was a certified volunteer firefighter.
Tracee is an adoptive mom of two children with special needs and her husband is a retired Army veteran of 23 years. Together they enjoy spending time walking and training their three rescue dogs, reading, watching movies and fishing.
Web: www.zoomeezdogtraining.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/zoomeezdogtraining

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